However, if instead we set intentions, we can achieve what we desire. Intentions are in alignment with what we really want. “I intend to eat a healthier diet,” we say to ourselves or “I intend to stop watching so much television and read more books.”  We are in agreement with our desires. Instead of pushing against something, we are working with ourselves to accomplish our goals.

I start each day setting my intent for the day. Before I get out of bed, I mentally review my day and state what I would like to have happen with each item on my schedule.  Before I am even vertical, I have already begun the process of having a day filled with great moments.  Try it tomorrow morning. You may just find your day running more smoothly and your life becoming in alignment with who you truly want to be. 

• My body is plumper than I like.
• My business is slower than I’d prefer.
• My bank account is leaner than I’m comfortable with. 
• My work load is heavier than I can keep up with. 
• My eating habits are not as healthy as I’d like.

Yet, I’m happier than I have ever been! Life is great and just keeps getting better and better.

 In my 50 years, I have learned a few things along the way… so here are my 50 Truths of Life:

In honor of my special day, go out and make someone laugh, share a smile, offer a hug and extend a helping hand. A very happy un-birthday to you!

 It is said that the one thing people want to do in their lifetime is to feel that they have made a difference in some way to some one.  The more lives we touch, the more meaningful our lives are by this measurement.  If that is true, then George Bailey made a big difference to many people and to his town. Yet the sacrifices he made in order to accomplish this were great. He had to set aside his own dreams and desires for others.  He used his talents in ways that benefitted his family, the bank and his community. He never saw Paris or had the adventures he had hoped for, but he was surrounded by love and, in the end,  that it what truly adds up to a wonderful life.

The Question Girl

Checking out at the grocery store, I had the most curious of checkout girls.  Beyond the standard, “Did you find everything that you needed?” Her probing went into areas such as what I did for a living, what type of food I liked to eat and how long Bob and I have been together.  Her questions went on and on endlessly – with no apparent story thread, just randomly tossed out queries. Whatever popped into her head, she asked.  I suppose it was a way to pass the time with so many short encounters with customers that she was instructed to  make artificially warm and fuzzy. Finally she looked at me and said, “I’m sorry I asked so many questions. I am just curious about people.”  Curious about people.  Make that two of us.  People are fascinating, yet we will never know how interesting they are unless we ask them some questions… and then some more questions….and then some more…. well, you get the idea. When we stop talking about ourselves and start listening, is when we begin to connect to others.  Ask a question, get an answer…sometime you will even discover the treasures each person holds.

Hopes and Dreams in a Jar

Attending a workshop, I walked over to the coffee shop across the street. Behind the counter were three young ladies. On the counter was a tip jar that said: Hope and Dreams.  I asked the first girl what were her hopes and dreams.  She told me that she was newly married and wanted to start a family.  The second girl told me the same thing.  Such a basic desire of life to have children of your own.  The third girl hesitated when I asked her what her hopes and dreams were. She did not have an answer.  Her co-workers told me that she was still young and would in time have one.  I did not believe that there was nothing she didn’t dream about, so I pushed a little harder. “Are you in school?” I asked. “Yes” came the reply. She was in an  environmental studies program. She began to tell me all about it and what she hoped to do someday with her education. This was a girl ready to change the world for the better. Her hopes for the future would ultimately touch us all.  We all have hopes and dreams and, if we allow them to come forth into the world, who knows the lives we may touch.

Alice

My neighbor is 85 years young. She runs for thirty minutes each morning. Today she was outside raking and mowing her yard. It seems that nothing slows her down.  Perhaps there is one thing – the death of her beloved husband.  Today she shared with me how they met and it was truly a magical beginning to a lasting love affair.  Alice’s husband had a band. Not the rocker type, more the Glenn Miller kind. He was invited to play at a local club, with one caveat – he had to use their singer. Begrudgingly he agreed, but only because he wanted the gig.  In walked Alice and out went his heart.  They made beautiful music together for over sixty years. It seems that destiny brings into our paths those people we are meant to meet, to love and to share a song or two with.

     The time to start writing is now.  Start to record your thoughts, your knowledge and your passion.  Everyone wants to leave a legacy to the world. They want their family and friends to remember them and also want to leave a lasting mark on the world.  A book is a wonderful way to accomplish this.  It does not matter if you only have a few readers or if you make the best seller list, as long as you re-ignite your inner joy and provide those you love with a bit of your true self. 

    A book, a blog, an article or a letter – it does not matter what you write, just as long as you write something. You will gain clarity and your family will gain a lasting legacy.

What is the message that you are spreading?  Is it one of hope? Do you inspire others with your words and your actions?  While you may not give a formal talk, as I do, you are still sharing a message every time you open your mouth.  Begin to monitor your words or, better yet, examine the thought that precedes the words.  Then make sure that you spread a messsage that uplifts others.  This is exactly what people like Booker T. Washington and Sir Robert Baden-Powell did when they addressed the group at the club.  And here is the really great part – you are every bit as special as they are. Don’t dismiss or demean the power of your message.  You, too, are in good company.